Use MaxMSP as an FX bank for a DJ, ie take the live signal from a pair of decks linked by a small mixer (usual DJ set up) and process them in Max, all in a live situation.

I have tried a few ways but have had little success:

1. I tried using the laptop/Max as an FX bus on the mixer - but there was massive lag so all the tempo sync'd effects were out of time, way behind the beat.

2. I tried routing the Decks through Max and have everything come out of the computer's sound card - this made sure the effects and DJ were tempo sync'd but we lost the analogue sound AND there was the same lag between the output of the computer and the headphones cue'd signal from the DJ mixer, making it impossible to DJ (as the DJ needs to hear the FOH and cue mixes independently, obviously)

1. Just use Ableton and Max for Live, doing away with the decks (shame)

2. Use Tracktor/Serato and soundflower (or similar) to link the sound straight into Max - though I think this might still cause lag, even if not as significant

How can I marry DJing and Max without lag issues AND without spending lots of money on extra kit?

dj-max

The lag (latency) is an inevitable consequence of processing audio through a computer. However it can be reduced to a barely noticeable level depending on your audio interface and your CPU power.

Basically, you want to get your latency down to 6ms or below. Try adjusting the I/O Vector Size in the DSP status window in Max to a lower value and see how it affects the latency.

You know I think that might just work, especially in conjunction with a better sound card! I've been using an M Box (eurgh) with a large I/O vector size to counteract its poor quality. Upgrade here I come. Thanks.

I don't know if you find this relevant, but have you checked out Max's time coded vinyl: Ms. Pinky?

My experience is that soundflower has a quite high latency ...

Have you tried "the bridge"? the link between Ableton Live and Serato?, and then implement max trough m4l?

Maybe you also want to experiment with "aggregated devices" (combining multiple audio interfaces), 'cause you're on a mac, right?

I don't know if you find this relevant, but have you checked out Max's time coded vinyl: Ms. Pinky? 

DJ + Max